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• October 28, 2008
• Trend Spotting

Zip Lock

An ordinary closure becomes many designer's latest decorative muse.

From left: Spring/Summer '09 collections 3.1 Phillip Lim, Preen, Behnaz Sarafpour

Despite its pure functionality, the zipper is one of the oldest fashion tricks in the book. Not only is it a quick and practical way to bring definition and shape to any jacket or skirt, it's clean industrial look renders it a striking staple in its own right among punks and avant guardians alike.

For the coming spring, designers like Behnaz Sarafpour, Suh-Tahn, and Phillip Lim all looked to zippers not only as a form of everyday usefulness (who doesn't love a nice pocket?), but they re-worked them in a number of fanciful ways. Used in contrasting diagonal lines, swirling blossom patterns, and repeat hip and skirt pockets, these zippers transcend the traditional and go straight for runway notoriety.

From left: Spring/Summer '09 collection Suh-Tahn

Shop the trend now:

From left: Ash Intox Flat Zippered Shoe, $152, available at Oak; Maud Patti Zip Heels, $215, available at Pixie Market.

From left: H Chalayan Zipper Skirt, $262, available at La Garçonne; I Heart Norwegian Wood Zipper Harness, $60, available at Etsy (photo via Fashion Toast).

An ordinary closure becomes many designer's latest decorative muse.